Ecclesia Gnostica Universalis
From Free Encyclopedia of Thelema
Ecclesia Gnostica Universalis, or Universal Gnostic Church, is a organization dedicated to the advancement of Light, Life, Love, and Liberty through alignment with the Law of Thelema. Ecclesia Gnostica Universalis (EGnU) was founded by a College of Bishops on the Fourth of July in the Year 2000 C.E. Membership in Ecclesia Gnostica Universalis is available through baptism, confirmation, and dedication; advancement is independent of and does not require membership in or affiliation with any particular Order. It is a Church wherein all Thelemites may work together.
Much has been written about the history of the Gnostic Church, the value of apostolic succession, and other similar issues by those bent on proving the validity and authority of their own particular lineage and church. However, in Classical Gnosticism, the historical continuum of the visible cosmos was regarded as a creation of inferior and anti-spiritual ruling powers, the Archons. As such they considered it a prison in which the spirit or Divine Spark is trapped in exile. They believed that the goal of existence is to extract the sparks trapped in matter, so that they can return to their true spiritual home.
Ecclesia Gnostica Universalis does not accept or practice this extreme dualistic form of Classical Gnosticism. It acknowledges, as does Tantric theory, that the material elements, properly used, can be of assistance on the path to Gnosis. Yet there may be an element of truth to the myth of the Archons—the desire for power and authority over others may hinder not only one's own spiritual progress, but may also become an obstacle for those who submit to that authority.
On the other hand, the value of the direct transmission from master to student of the essence of a spiritual practice cannot be denied. As the aim of Gnosticism is spiritual evolution, which is thought by some to flourish best in a heterogenous environment, the Bishops of EGnU have received and worked transmission from a wide variety of sources: Wicca, the Golden Dawn, Ordo Templi Orientis, the Horus-Maat Lodge, the Nath and Kaula Tantras of India, and the Vajrayana Tantras of Tibet.
Thus, while following in the tradition of the Gnostic Churches of the past and present, such as l'Église Gnostique de France, l'Église Gnostique Universelle, and Ecclesia Gnostica Catholica, Ecclesia Gnostica Universalis embraces a wider definition of Gnosis and inherits a colorful phantasmagoria of rites and rituals from the many gnostic traditions of the world.
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Membership
There are currently six recognized classes of Church membership, the Children, the People, the Deacons, the Templars, the Priesthood, and the Episcopate. The Episcopate is composed of the Bishops, the Priesthood of the Priestesses and Priests. The Templars maintain the Temples, while the Deacons act as assistants to the Templars. The People are the Lay Members of the Church. The Children have received the Sacrament of Baptism, but are not yet full members of the Church.
The Children
Those who have been baptized into the Ecclesia Gnostica Universalis, but have not yet been confirmed are known as Children. Baptism is open to any person of at least 18 years of age, but does not, in itself, confer Membership. The Children are not recognized as full members of the Church, and as such are not eligible to vote in matters put before the People.
The People
Membership in Ecclesia Gnostica Universalis is conferred by the ceremony of confirmation, which must be preceded by the ceremony of baptism. Confirmation is open to any person who has been baptized. Membership confers the Right to Vote within Ecclesia Gnostica Universalis: The People have the right to vote on any matter referred to them by the College of Bishops. They also have the right to petition the College of Bishops with the assistance of any Templar.
The Deacons
The Deacons are Members of Ecclesia Gnostica Universalis who have established a working relationship with any Templar. A Deacon must be a confirmed member of the People, and must be recognized by one or more Templars who thereby grant the Deacon the power and authority to perform the role of Deacon in Gnostic Masses celebrated in their Temples.
The Templars
The Templars of Ecclesia Gnostica Universalis act as Deacons for the Priestesses and Priests. However, the Templar has a broader role in Ecclesia Gnostica Universalis. A Templar maintains a Temple suitable for the celebration of the Gnostic Mass, preferably in his or her own home. A Templar must be a confirmed member of the People, and must be recognized by a Bishop, together they establish a Temple of Ecclesia Gnostica Universalis. The Templars also assist the Episcopate when Church matters are referred to the People for a vote, and when the People put a Petition before the College of Bishops.
The Priesthood
The Priesthood of Ecclesia Gnostica Universalis includes both Priestesses and Priests. They have the power and authority within Ecclesia Gnostica Universalis to celebrate Gnostic Masses. They also have the power and authority to perform baptisms, confirmations, marriages, and last rites. Priests and Priestesses of Ecclesia Gnostica Universalis must be confirmed members of the People, and must be recognized by a Bishop. However, they operate independently under the authority of the College of Bishops as a whole.
The Episcopate
Bishops have the power and authority within Ecclesia Gnostica Universalis to celebrate Gnostic Masses; to recognize Priestesses, Priests and Templars of Ecclesia Gnostica Universalis; and to perform baptisms, confirmations, marriages, and last rites.
Bishops furthermore hold the power and authority to establish Temples of Ecclesia Gnostica Universalis: one for each Templar who has chosen to work together with the Bishop for this purpose. Bishops may also establish and maintain their own Temple.
Bishops collectively hold the power and authority to recognize new Bishops of Ecclesia Gnostica Universalis; however, the recognition of a new Bishop requires the agreement and participation of three Bishops. Please note that consecration by laying on of hands is not a part of our tradition. All of our Bishops are self-made men and women, being recognized, not made, by their peers.
Gnostic Bishops of the Ecclesia Gnostica Universalis may be of either sex; female Bishops preface their Mystic Name with the Hebrew letter "Shin" or "Sh", while male Bishops assume a Mystic Name prefaced with the Hebrew letter "Tau" or "Th". The Shin represents the Hebrew word Shekinah, the divine feminine presence or Shakti, as well as the triple flame of the Spirit, the threefold mantra of the Dakini, and numerous other Mysteries. The Hebrew Tau represents the shape of the body of Nuit.
